Sainsbury’s Inclusive Community Training is a “good mixture of practical and theory”
The Sports and Community Development Manager for a District Leisure Trust has told the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) that Sainsbury’s Inclusive Community Training provides a “good mixture of practical and theory”.
Carolyn Hallam works for the trust which runs five leisure centres in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. In October, she participated in the three-hour practical workshop complimented by online resources which makes up the training.
As an individual whose role is to link community services, identify local needs within sport and exercise provision and encourage more people to become active, Carolyn explained how she had benefited from the Sainsbury’s Inclusive Community Training:
“My background is in community work rather than sport, and I am not a qualified coach.
“However, by attending the workshop alongside six of my colleagues I increased my understanding as to how any activity can be adapted to suit the needs of the participants.”
Sainsbury’s Inclusive Community Training is designed to improve the skills and confidence of those who support disabled people to be more active, and is a creative and informal development opportunity.
Carolyn added that she found the training stimulating and useful:
“The workshop was a good mixture of practical and theory, with plenty of opportunity for everyone to get involved.
“We also received a booklet containing the information that had extra space to make notes during the course for future use. Now that I have the information, I will be able to use it when meeting people in the community.”
This particular Mansfield workshop was organised by EFDS and Sport Nottinghamshire, and delivered by an experienced tutor from sports coach UK.
Over 3,200 people have now benefited from the practical, informative and enjoyable training.
Sainsbury’s Inclusive Community Training is for those who support disabled people of all ages within the community, and have an opportunity to put the training into practice.
For example; carers, support workers, parents, volunteers and community groups and organisations.
Carolyn finished by saying that others should feel encouraged to explore the opportunity themselves:
“I would recommend the course to anyone who provides activities for people - not only those working in sport and leisure, but also those who, for example, work in community groups, supported living and further education.
“I often get people telling me they are unable to do anything, either because of age, health reasons or disabilities.
"I now have a much better understanding of what is achievable and that activities can not only be adapted to suit anyone, but also that even the most basic of activities can be fun and allow participants to join in with others of differing abilities.”
For further information, please contact EFDS, email AK4A@efds.co.uk or telephone 01509 227751. Find us on Twitter @Eng_Dis_Sport, Facebook and LinkedIn.
